Don't know how to swim? Don't worry. Oh and, there's also no need to hold your breath.
Restaurants perfectly perched in countryside bliss or dining rooms with expansive city views are not unusual. Far reaching views, and usually sky high vistas, have long been a supporting aspect of luxurious dining experiences.
But, enjoying a meal in a restaurant essentially submerged within an aquarium is a form of quirky entertainment and an atypical landscape view.
Underwater dining seems entirely counterintuitive to human survival.
The niggling and persistent question that lingers in our minds is why... Why are we so captivated by outlandish dining experiences, from meals suspended high above the ground to restaurants submerged beneath the sea?
Could it be the exhilarating mix of trepidation combined with the promise of good food? Or perhaps it stems from our ceaseless pursuit of the next extraordinary experience, generally influenced by society's trends.
Maybe it's our innate human curiosity, fuelled by childhood tales of mermaids and the mysterious wonders of underwater life. Or perchance, it's the enigmatic allure of the deep-sea creatures that intrigues us endlessly.
The complete juxtaposition of dining under the sea is indeed, entirely fascinating.
Al Mahara
Location: Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Located beneath one of the world's most iconic hotels, the intimate Al Mahara has a dimly lit diningroom with floor to ceiling aquarium filled walls. The Michelin recommended restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and uniquely wraps around a cylindrical aquarium filled with fish, corals and other sea creatures.
With light reflecting chrome detailing, silvery wall furnishings and orange accents, the decor of Al Mahara creates an elevated under-the-sea ambiance. The chairs feature sea-shell shaped backs, and swathes of rich purple and burgundy velvet sweep the room whilst flower arrangements mimic coral.
Previously delivery high-quality, fine-dining seafood, the Al Mahara restaurant is currntly hosting two-Michelin star chef Andrea Migliaccio with a replication of his Capri restaurant, Ristorante L'Olivo.
Ocean Restaurant
Location: Equarius Hotel, Singapore
The aqua blue glow of the aquarium flows throughout the restaurant, whilst over 40,000 sea creatures including massive manta rays dance infront of diners as they enjoy their meal.
Ocean Restaurant lets the immersive surroundings do all the talking. Taking a chic, yet minimalistic perspective on decor, soft lighting shines on the completely pared back furnishings: grey carpeting, charcoal seating and curved natural, light wood accents. The restaurant was fully re-furbished and reopened in mid 2022.
Under the guidance of revered French chef, Olivier Bellin, Ocean Restaurant serves a refined European menu celebrating fresh seafood for both lunch and dinner in the form of a six or eight-course tasting menu. View the menu here.
Ossiano
Location: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Recognised in 2023 as worthy of One Michelin Star, Ossiano is one of Dubai's highest rated and unique dining experiences. Serving plates of what is described as 'progressive fine dining'.
With ocean inspired decor, chandeliers dangle from the ceiling characteristically resembling jellyfish, curved edges stretch across the dining room and the bar lending to the flow of water, swirled white columns resemble the unusual conical shape of a screw shell and the textures of the deep blue velvet seating is contrasted with the natural coral table features.
Floor to ceiling windows look out onto the well-known, 11 million litre aquarium of the luxury Atlantis The Palm that is home to over 65,000 different species of fish and other sea creatures such as sharks, rays, seahorses and even lobsters.
Sea
Location: Anantara Kihavah, Maldives
Unlike other restaurants on this list, Sea is situated beneath the sea level, in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives.Shoals of colourful tropical fish regularly pass the floor-to-ceiling windows, diners may also spot sharks and turtles as they indulge in the flavours of the finest local fare.
Very aptly, Sea is located underwater and pays homage to the lands of international visitors whilst also honouring the rich culture of the local area plating Maldivian cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant also offers a child friendly menu.
With a honeycombed chrome ceiling, further mirrored chrome detailing frames the large windows, the flooring mimics the differing blue hues projected onto the sea bed. Aqua blue velvet seating is paired with wooden tables enhancing the natural colours and textures of the underwater environment.
Just one of the resorts four unique, conceptual dining experiences available to Sea is joined by other dining experiences - Sky, Fire and Spice.
SubSix
Location: Niyama Private Islands, Maldives
Accessible only by speedboat, SubSix is located some 500m from the shore. As the name might suggest, SubSix sits six metres below sea level, meaning guests must descend three flights of stairs to reach the submerged restaurant.
The decor reflects all aspects of the sea, in an attempt to merge the dining room with its location. Chairs are textured and are reminiscent of the spiked sea anemone often found on the sea bed, fringes of capiz shells hang from the ceiling to create a shimmery haze like that of the ocean's surface from below while large starfish shaped lamps add a soft, natural glow to the dining room.
Focussing on serving premium seafood dishes, SubSix is open only for lunch - to ensure visitors can fully embrace their subaquatic environment. View the menu here.
